Reality is setting in

Last week I received an email from a friend in another country. She told me of a Syrian woman who lived in her country for a year, from a Muslim family, who has had a true conversion experience and is now a believer in Jesus.  I went to visit her last week and listened to her story...Her husband has lived here in Berlin for a year, trying to get papers for her and her 2 children to join him. She finally was reunited with her husband 3 weeks ago. She noticed right away that he was "on edge" all the time and not kind to her at all. She wondered what had happened to him during their year-long separation. Come to find out, this man had gotten involved with very secular Muslim friends and also some German friends who are every kind of horrible you can imagine!! She soon found out he was using drugs, sleeping with other women and basically gone completely off the deep end. When he came home at night he would scream at my friend and his 2 adorable sons and act like a raving maniac. It didn't help that they're living in one room which contains a small kitchen (1 burner hot plate, 2 plates and a few cups, 1 pot to cook in and a leaky faucet), bunk beds, single bed and crib and a tiny table with 2 chairs. My friend, let's call her Abby, says she can no longer allow her husband to come there and torment her and her children. For the last 2 days, he has not come back and she feels some relief from that but also deep sadness. She is all alone in this place, not knowing one single person except me. I feel the reality of her situation weighing heavy on my shoulders. Who will defend this young, beautiful woman? How will she manage in this strange country, not speaking a word of the language? She is clinging to her faith in Jesus but still feels at times like he's abandoned her (haven't we all felt that way at times?) I tried to tell her that Satan doesn't attack weak people; he attacks strong people because he knows they are a threat to him. Abby is strong and has been through so much pain as she's fled her country and all of her family, to try and make a better future for her children. Yesterday Darrell went with me and we took the children some toys and goodies to brighten their day. Their smiles and excitement were priceless! Abby's situation seems hopeless. It will be difficult for her to find an apartment for her and her 2 children. She needs a miracle! Would you pray for that? She told me yesterday that it's all luck as to who gets an apartment or not. I told her we don't believe in luck; we believe in a miracle-working God. The reality that this is ONE story which we will begin to hear over and over as we start this refugee ministry in earnest, is a bit sobering. We need God's wisdom and divine guidance as we maneuver these uncharted waters.